SHAQIRI: "ONE OF THE BIGGEST CLUBS IN THE WORLD"

"The welcome from the Inter fans was unique, they’re magnificent." Inter's new Number 91 talked to the press as he was officially unveiled this lunchtime

14/01/2015 - 14:06

APPIANO GENTILE – After being greeted by hordes of Nerazzurri fans at Malpensa airport, Xherdan Shaqiri was officially unveiled as an Inter player at a press conference held at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti today.

On his reasons for choosing Inter: "I received other offers from England and Germany, but I always knew what I wanted to do. I spoke with Mancini on the phone, he explained his plans to me and I didn’t look back from there. It was always a clear choice for me – I want to help the club so that we can achieve big things once again."

On his reasons for leaving Bayern Munich: "I wasn’t completely happy at Bayern. I need to play because that’s the only way I can show what I’m worth. As a result, I’m delighted to be at Inter. I’m hungry for success and I’ll do whatever it takes to win something for this club. I feel really confident about the relationship that’s taking shape with the coach and the squad."

On his first impressions of Inter: "The first thing that struck me was the fans who were waiting for me at the airport. It was unique and I’ll never forget it. It was great to feel the warmth of the Inter fans, they’re magnificent. That’s one of the reasons I decided to come here. Being at the match at San Siro was wonderful and my first few days here at Inter have been very positive. I can’t wait to make my debut. I’m training with the rest of the squad and hope to play at Empoli. I feel good."

On what he learnt from his time at Bayern: "I learnt lots of things and was able to play with many great players. I’ll try to make use of my experience in Munich to win silverware with Inter. In any case, I think that all players are different and I’m not a fan of comparing myself to others. We all have our own characteristics."

On the transfer saga: "Juventus? If you read the papers you’d think I met with a whole host of teams. Juve was a possibility, but I always saw Inter as the best choice. Inter really wanted me and offered me the best prospects. I wanted a new experience and now I can’t wait to start playing. The goal is to get back into the Champions League. I’m convinced we’ll get back up there soon."

On whether he sought advice on his decision: "There was no need to speak with anyone. Everyone knows that Inter is an historic club with big ambitions. Great players have played here and they recently won the Champions League. My meetings with Piero Ausilio were always very positive and I’m really pleased to be here. Rummenigge? The whole world knows Inter, so there was no need to speak to him."

On his view of Italian football: "The only plans you can make in our sport are on a footballing level, for the team. Us players simply go out and play every week. Inter must always play to win, no matter what the opponents’ plans are. I’ll try to make a big contribution so that we win as many games as possible."

On his best position: "I already showed at Bayern that I can play in a variety of positions. But it’s Mancini’s job to decide where I play. I feel most comfortable as a Number 10, where I can roam across the attack and have the chance to both shoot and pass, but obviously I’ll do whatever the boss asks of me."

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